Liverpool reportedly expressed an interest in signing Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti during the January transfer window.
With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all ruled out for the season, manager Jurgen Klopp moved to bring in two new centre-backs.
However, while Preston North End's Ben Davies and Schalke 04's Ozan Kabak ultimately moved to Anfield, it appears that Liverpool had also been keen on a World Cup winner.
According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions made contact with Barcelona regarding the availability of Umtiti, who has been hit by injuries over the past two seasons.
The Catalan giants find themselves in a position where they need to consider offers for any of their players due to their worsening financial situation.
Nevertheless, Umtiti is said to have turned down the opportunity to move to Liverpool having recently been provided with game time by Ronald Koeman.
Darren Plant
